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NCAA Basketball 10 gallery

What parents need to know

Unlike its NBA counterpart, this game is much better at emphasizing teamwork. Coaches encourage players to move the ball around and work together to win games.

Positive role models

Individually players don't dominate this game. The best way to earn victory is by applying teamwork, such as passing the ball around, playing help defense, and working together.

Ease of play

The basic controls are pretty easy to pick up. When the game loads up, players are placed on a practice court where they can learn and master their moves. A motion offense feature instructs computer-controlled teammates to move around without the ball. At the right moment, players are prompted to pass the ball to get an open shot. However, while taking outside shots is pretty simple, playing an inside game isn't very elegant.

Violence & scariness

Not applicable

Language

Not applicable

Consumerism

The main sponsors are the two networks "broadcasting" the games: ESPN and CBS.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this is a straightforward simulation of college basketball, where players attempt to guide one team to the Final Four and a national championship. The game is available online with open chat, a feature Common Sense Media does not recommend to children under the age of 12, because of the potential for exposure to bad language and privacy concerns.

User reviews

Parents say

Kids say

What's it about?

NCAA BASKETBALL 10 is a simple simulation of college hoops. Players select one of dozens of college teams to guide toward the NCAA Tournament, the Final Four, and eventually a national championship. Dynasty Mode allows players to assume the role of coach, setting strategies and recruiting new players. To more accurately mimic its real-life counterpart, the game will also include dynamic updates throughout the season. The biggest addition in terms of control is the motion offense feature, where players can start off a motion play to seek an open shot. One button initiates the play, and prompted button presses passes the ball around to the open player. The game also includes two broadcast teams for players to choose.

Is it any good?

QUALITY

While NCAA Basketball 10 isn't a slam dunk, it's still a satisfying representation of the sport. The game nails down presentation and atmosphere. The two broadcast teams are lively, while the screen bounces up and down as crowds jump around to cheer on the home team. Players can also hear the school band play and watch mascots rile up the crowd. Motion offense is a great addtion, giving players more control over computer-controlled teammates. However, the game can be buggy at times. Players will often run out of bounds with the ball without a stop in play. While taking outside shots is pretty simple, playing an inside game isn't very elegant. Overall, the action looks solid but doesn't run as smoothly as other sports titles. Despite the shortcomings, this is still a worthwhile hoops game.

Online interaction: Players can battle human opponents online, and the game includes open voice chat, so the potential to hear bad language is there.

Families can talk about...

Families can talk about how close does this game mimics the real thing? What would you add or remove?

Which do you prefer to play -- games about college or pro basketball? Why?

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